Newcastle United will surely need to rebuild their defence this summer.
Indeed, the signing of a new central defender was understood to have been on Newcastle’s agenda last year but the transfer budget just couldn’t stretch that far.
The situation has since become more pressing, too.
While the club were believed to have looked at potential signings to bolster their backline even before the long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, the fact both will miss months of action makes the need more urgent.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly of Fulham and Bournemouth respectively are understood to be keen to sign for Newcastle after talks but the regeneration in Eddie Howe’s backline may not stop there.
Newcastle are now keen on a move for Belgium international defender
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are one of the teams interested in Anderlecht centre-back, Zeno Debast.
Steve Nickson, the club’s head of recruitment, is understood to have travelled to watch the Belgium international in action against England at Wembley last month.
Newcastle are said to like the player’s profile and sources suggest the 20-year-old can leave for around £15-£20m this summer. West Ham are said to be keen, along with teams in Italy, though it is Lisbon giants Sporting CP who reportedly lead the race right now.
Zeno Debast blew Roberto Martinez away on his debut
At 20, Debast is certainly of the age profile PIF have targeted.
Also able to operate at right-back as well, he’s previously been compared to Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany and has been hailed for his “superb passing range”, as well as being a “confident dribbler”.
Roberto Martinez took him to the 2022 World Cup with Belgium and was in fact blown away by how quickly Debast adapted to life on the international stage.
Speaking after his debut against Wales in 2022, Martinez said (via One Football): “This was one of the most impressive debuts for the Red Devils in recent years.
“I have never seen such a young player make his debut so well. I enjoyed it. I saw a young guy with a lot of self-confidence, but also a lot of desire to learn.”
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